What does asbestos look like?

An example of what friable asbestos may look like (presented here as asbestos lagging).

Click on one of the pictures below to expand it. 

Above are different types of asbestos in their natural form. However, given the range of generic products that were once manufactured using asbestos fibres, it can be difficult to tell whether a product or material contains asbestos just by looking at it.

There are some areas of a building where materials containing asbestos were more commonly used. The most accurate way to detect whether or not asbestos is present is to have a licensed asbestos assessor inspect and test the product or material where necessary. Attempting to sample the material or product yourself, can be more hazardous than leaving it alone. If you're not sure whether a product or material contains asbestos, it's safest to treat it as though it does and take the necessary precautions.

• Click here for a list of licensed asbestos assessors.